(Salt Lake City, UT) - First Wind, an independent US based wind energy company was recognized by Governor Gary Herbert during the ninth Envision Utah Governor’s Quality Growth Award program at the Governor’s Mansion Tuesday. The award recognizes Milford Wind for what the project has done to “advance quality growth principles in Utah and to improve the lives of its people.”

Pete Sullivan, Development Director for First Wind, said “We are honored to be recognized by Governor Herbert and we applaud his leadership in acknowledging the environmental and economic benefits of projects such as Milford Wind. This project was made possible through the tremendous support from many people including federal, state and local officials and the people of Millard and Beaver Counties. It is gratifying to see this support continues and that it is being recognized by this year’s Governor’s Quality Growth Award program.”

The 204 megawatt (MW) first phase of the Milford Wind project began commercial operation in November 2009, less than a year after breaking ground. The project to date has created more than 250 development and construction jobs, and resulted in more than $85 million in economic benefit to Utah. First Wind also has started construction activities on its 102 MW Milford II project.